Enema before active labor?

Question

My hospital offers an enema as an option and most moms I know took it. I think i will too because I’d rather not poo all over the table while giving birth! But I’m an eternally embarrassed soul even for things other people do so that’s just me I guess? But I’ve seen lots of moms online vehemently oppose it so I’m wondering why other people opt in or out.

Answer

As an L&D nurse let me tell you- somewhere between 6/10 and 7/10 women poop while they’re pushing. And even if you ask us if you did, we’re going to tell you no. Pooping means you’re pushing well, and we don’t want or need you to hold back your efforts. Besides, no one is even focused there- we just want a baby!

Answer

I would worry about being dehydrated by it.  Enemas can also cause pain and cramping. 
Your body will likely naturally move your bowels early in labor. And honestly, you won’t even know if you pooped. I was unmedicated for my first labor and I don’t think I pooped, but I really have no idea. It’s not a big deal and there is a ton of other stuff coming out of your body anyway lol.

Answer

I've had 2 babies and never got one and didn't poop with either of them. And if you do poop it's totally normal so I really wouldn't worry about it. At that point in time it's really the last thing on your mind.

Answer

I personally do not see the harm in it. I have an anal cleansing toy that I use for sex which has helped me through all my constipation this pregnancy. Which is probably decreasing my chance of developing hemorrhoids too. It's just a bit of water that goes into your bum to help activate your involuntary muscles to get the poop moving outwards. And it wouldnt dehydrate you because it's not taking water from your body to flush you out it's taking water that you've introduced anally to gently cleanse your colon. I was planning on doing my own cleansing before going to the hospital and might actually pack it with me.

Answer

I didn’t have a chance with either deliveries before. If they give you the option just know if you turn it down they deal with it all the time and that is the last thing you’re really going to be worried about. I plan to labor in water and this is making me wonder how that will be handled. I definitely don’t want poop floating around me.

Answer

Seems completely unnecessary.  Basically everyone poops and even if people think they didn't, they probably still did.  I had a natural labor so I could tell when I did.  No one said anything, they just wipe you up and move on.  My husband had no idea that I did🤷🏻‍♀️

Answer

Honestly really dumb. It’s unnecessary, possibly harmful, and doesn’t matter. THEY DON’T CARE IF YOU SHIT ON THE TABLE. THERE’S AROUND A 90% chance you will

Answer

You get suppositories to help get things going. An enema is a bit extreme.

Answer

I would never do this. 
Who cares if a little poop comes out? It is all worth it for your baby. For thousands of years women have been pushing out babies and our bodies are amazing. You can do this.

Answer

My hospital encourages moms to have it. I really didn’t want it because I thought it was embarrassing. But I caved in because I was in so much pain and just changed my mind. I am opposed to the idea again but who knows what happens, if I feel so bad again I will probably do whatever they tell me. 🤔

Enema before active labor?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey